The Carroll Labor Government has reopened the upgraded Ian Potter State Theatre – six months ahead of schedule.
The refurbished 2,000 seat theatre includes state-of-the-art lighting and sound, better accessibility, new seats and restored heritage-listed interiors.
The Ian Potter State Theatre closed in 2024 to undergo its first major refurbishment since opening in 1984.
The milestone completes the first stage of Labor’s $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project.
The transformation is expected to create 11,000 jobs over the life of the build.
The redevelopment is strengthening the Melbourne Arts Precinct which is one of the world’s highest concentrations of arts and cultural venues – supporting thousands of jobs.
The Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation has today released figures that shows the significant economic contribution of the precinct, comprising more than 30 arts and cultural organisations, generated in 2025, including:
- A $591 million boost to the Victorian economy
- More than $245 million in visitor spending
- Backing more than 1,700 full-time jobs
- Hosting more than 5,500 events.
- Hosting 19.3 million visitors
- Selling 2.3 million tickets.
The Ian Potter State Theatre has showcased tens of thousands of creatives and played host to 20 million visitors.
To mark the reopening, Arts Centre Melbourne has curated performances involving more than 200 Victorian creatives.
Celebrations begin on Saturday with the world-premiere of Gugu Dindi Gunyah (Many Rivers. One Home), followed by Housewarming from 9 October, a weekend of free performances, tours and activities for all ages.
The Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation includes The Fox: NGV Contemporary, set to be Australia’s largest gallery of contemporary art, and Laak Boorndap, a new 18,000sqm urban garden.
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward
“The Ian Potter State Theatre has been an icon of Victoria’s creative scene for four decades – now it’s back, better than ever and six months ahead of schedule.”
“Labor is backing the arts precinct and the thousands of jobs it creates.”
As stated by Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor
“This is just the start of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation, which will benefit locals for decades to come.”
As stated by Arts Centre Melbourne Chief Executive Officer Karen Quinlan AM
“We are thrilled to officially reopen the Ian Potter State Theatre to audiences
